Kess Imports Hit by Two Break-Ins in Four Days; Owner Questions Police Response

The owner of Kess Imports is sounding the alarm after his business was broken into twice within four days, raising concerns about police response and the increasing boldness of thieves.

The first break-in occurred on Tuesday, 2 December, at about 6:30 p.m. when the owner, during a routine drive-by check, noticed the kitchen door swung open. On closer inspection, he discovered the premises had been breached. Longfords Police Station was immediately contacted.

Security footage later revealed a man walking toward the business from east to west. The individual appeared to have been dropped off by a black vehicle before entering the building through a small window. The intruder removed packages from inside, tossed them out the window, placed them into a blue garbage drum, and dragged the drum away.

A second incident took place on Saturday, 6 December, around 12:20 a.m., when the business alarm was triggered. The owner, who was in Cedar Grove Village at the time, checked his cameras remotely and saw a person inside the building—despite having secured it earlier.

He and several companions rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they reportedly saw two men on the western side of the building removing packages and heading toward nearby bushes. Once the men realised they were spotted, they ran into the darkness.

Longfords Police was contacted again.

The intruder found inside the building was held until police arrived and removed him. However, the owner said that after reporting the two fleeing suspects, officers made no attempt to search for them, with one officer allegedly remarking, “Those guys already long gone.”

Unsatisfied, the owner’s companions searched the area themselves and found a black vehicle parked down the street with a male occupant. When questioned, the man reportedly claimed he was from Bolans and had given someone a ride but could not remember the person’s name. Police were called for a third time and took the individual away.

The repeated incidents and perceived lack of urgency from responding officers have left the business owner calling for stronger police action and improved security measures. Police have yet to comment publicly on the matter.